Another office takes over state games Area notebook

May 31, 1991

The Maryland State Games, which have been the focus of several investigations into financial improprieties by their former director, will be continued this year under the auspices of a different government agency.

The Maryland Office of Sports Promotion, part of the state's Department of Economic and Employment Development, announced yesterday the games will be held July 19-21 on the campuses of UMBC and Catonsville Community College.

James E. Narron, the former director of the Maryland State Games, was forced to resign last December after it was found that he misused state health department funds. State health secretary Adele A. Wilzack also resigned in the wake of the scandal.

DEED took over the program in March 1991. This year's games willfeature 24 sports, including swimming, basketball and track and field. The entry fee is $15 for all athletes, regardless of age or sport, and scholarships are available. Athletes interested in registration materials, or people who would like to be involved as volunteers can call a 24-hour hot line at 301-333-6630.

* The Brokerage was the starting point for the Diet Pepsi/Farm Fresh Hoop-It-Up Tournament beginning this afternoon.

Featuring a three-on-three basketball competition and other special events like the "Slam Dunk Open," the competition will be played on 31 street courts throughout Baltimore over the weekend.

Approximately 311 teams from 39 cities and 11 states will take part in every level of skill from the Top Gun division to the Old As Dirt (over 40) class. Several former local high school and college standouts like Maryland's Mitch Kasoff, UMBC's Larry Simmons and Lake Clifton's Thomas Jordan are expected to participate.

Registration began at 3 p.m. today at the Original Sports Bar and the Slam Dunk contest, open to the public, begins at 7 p.m.

On Sunday afternoon at 2:30, WBFF-TV 45 will carry the finals in all three-on-three divisions.

* Jimmy Crowley, a senior from Dulaney High who stars at second base for Clemson, has been named to the second team of the 1991 Baseball America's All-America squad. Crowley is the son of former Oriole Terry Crowley, who is now a coach with the Minnesota Twins.